Wilmot sisters win U.S. Junior Women’s Doublehanded Championship

They may have trailed after the first day of the U.S. Junior Women’s Doublehanded Championship, but Lucy and Sally Wilmot (Orinda, Calif.) turned the corner on day two and confirmed the victory on day three over the 41-boat fleet.

This year’s championship was hosted by the American Yacht Club in Rye, N.Y. for three days of racing in the Club 420 (June 18-20). Teams were greeted with sunny skies over Western Long Island Sound and breezes ranged from 9 to 15 knots, mostly out of the Northwest.

Four races were completed on Wednesday in 80 degree temperatures, choppy seas, and winds ranging from 11 to 17 knots. The sister tandem of Alie and Liza Toppa (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) excelled in the conditions to take an early 14 point lead (2-4-1-1). Standing in second place was Rebecca McElvain (San Diego, Calif.) and Mercedes McPhee (San Diego, Calif.).

Thursday’s conditions on Western Long Island Sound presented new challenges as light winds early in the afternoon proved to be insufficient, forcing a postponement to the start of Day 2. Breezes picked up in the afternoon and the race committee managed to pull off three races in 6 to 8 knots. It was a big day on the water for Lucy and Sally Wilmot (Orinda, Calif.) who led overall by one point after posting a 2-5-1 scoring line. Alie and Liza Toppa (Fort Lauderdale, Fla) posted a 12-3-4 to remain in contention.

Team Wilmot maintained position on Friday, posting a 6-2-2 to close out the series. The hottest team over final two days was Cassie Obel (Marina del Rey, Calif.) and Annika Garrett (Culver City, Calif.), winning four of the final six races.

Lucy and Sally were exceptionally excited about the win, especially considering it was their first regatta sailing together. “We were able to start working together better and I think it helped a lot that we both had experience as skipper,” said Sally.

The Wilmots plan on competing in San Diego for the Club 420 National Championships and are also looking forward to training in the International 420.

“The camaraderie with the other sailors here is outstanding,” said Lucy. “There were so many volunteers and they took great care of us. It is truly unlike any other event.”

Report by US Sailing media

Top 5: Final Standings
1. Lucy Wilmot / Sally Wilmot: 1-[10/rdg*]-2-3-2-5-1-6-2-2- ; 24
2. Alie Toppa / Liza Toppa: 2-4-1-1-[12]-3-4-9-3-7- ; 34
3. Cassie Obel / Annika Garrett: 10-9-[37]-10-1-1-2-7-1-1- ; 42
4. Rebecca McElvain / Mercedes McPhee: 7-3-5-7-8-6-6-[14]-7-10- ; 59
5. Elizabeth Mignon / Amelia Hardy: 11-16-4-2-7-[18]-9-3-10-4- ; 66
Complete results – Event website